Quick Tip: Paint & Detail Order

I see a lot of questions on forums about when certain techniques should be applied in relation to each other and so I've put together this Quick Tip rule of thumb:

primer
acrylic paints
gloss
washes & decals
gloss if you've done decals
secondary washes & panel lines
matte sealer
chipping (sponge or brush)
pencil effects
oil & wash filter effects
pigments
matte sealer

See my Quick Tip on Gloss vs. Flat Sealer for a quick look at which the different sealers matter.

Quick Tip: Washing Instructions

Only use cold water when cleaning your brushes. This includes using cold water in your cleaning cup or tub and on those occasions when you take a brush to the sink. Hot water will weaken the glue that holds those hairs together and shorten the life of your brush.

If you have really stubborn paint stuck in the bristles use a bit of dish washing soap, or brush cleaning soap, and cold water to clean things up.

Quick Tip: Brush Tub

From the Warp asked the hobby blogger community to submit "your one best painting tip." Mine isn't strictly painting but since it's my most shared tip RELATED to painting I'm putting it forward for the thread.

The photo is a three cavity painting tub. I picked this one up at Michael's Arts & Crafts in the USA for $1.99 -- although I wasn't able to find one on their website. It is, without exception, the only thing other than paints, brushes and models that I think every hobby painter MUST OWN.

This will extend the life of your brushes dramatically. Add a bit of brush cleaning soap - some people use regular dish soap - in the big chamber and it's even better. If I had to give up all of my fancy gadgets and tools but for one this is what I'd keep.

Quick Tip: Gloss vs. Flat Sealer

A gloss sealer will give the model a smooth, glass like finish; a flat or matte sealer has a rougher texture. But Gloss and flat sealers do more than change the finish on a model.

For instance, decals are easier to apply, and will last longer, on a gloss surface.

Here's a quick breakdown of which surface is better for various techniques:

Gloss	Flat/Matte
Overall washes	Oil filters
Decals	Panel line washes
Protect acrylics	Drybrushing
	Oil filter (dot method)
	Pastels/Pigments

Knowing which sealer to apply for which technique will help you decide in which order to apply weathering techniques.

For instance you should always apply a gloss layer before and after applying decals. However putting gloss over pigments/pastels will likely make most of your effort disappear.